Skagit Transit signs three federal grant agreements for new operations facility
Rendering of Skagit Transit's planned Maintenance, Operations and Administration facility in Burlington, Washington. Credit: Skagit Transit
FTA agreements mark a key step toward Phases 2 and 3 of Skagit Transit’s Maintenance, Operations and Administration facility in Burlington.
August 11, 2026
Skagit Transit signed three grant agreements with the Federal Transit Administration on Aug. 7, securing federal funding to advance Phases 2 and 3 of its new operations facility.
The funding will support construction of the next phases of the facility in Burlington. With the grant agreements executed, Skagit Transit plans to solicit a general contractor in September, with Phase 2 construction targeted to begin in November 2026.
“Signing these agreements is a major milestone for Skagit Transit and the culmination of more than 18 months of work to move this project forward,” said Skagit Transit CEO Crystle Stidham. “This facility will strengthen our operations and help us provide reliable transit service for years to come. Reaching this milestone would not have been possible without U.S. Rep Rick Larsen’s continued advocacy. We’re also grateful to the Federal Transit Administration staff whose expertise and partnership were critical to bringing the grant agreements to completion."
The Aug 7 signing followed more than 18 months of federal review and coordination after a major federal grant for the project was awarded in January 2025. During that time, Skagit Transit worked through federal requirements to secure the funding and advance the project.
Phase 1 work, focused on the exterior of the main building, was completed earlier this year. Construction drawings for Phases 2 and 3 are complete, and the project team is finalizing bidding documents for advertisement. Substantial completion of construction is anticipated in fall 2028. Skagit Transit plans to transition operations to the new facility in phases as areas are completed and ready for occupancy. The phased move is expected to continue into 2029.
The project will allow Skagit Transit to relocate its base of operations from leased property in the 100-year floodplain to a site with capacity to support future transit service. The project is also supported by grants from Skagit County and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The project also represents a significant investment in Skagit County and the region. The American Public Transportation Association estimates that every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in long-term economic returns.
About Skagit Transit
Skagit Transit provides safe, reliable public transportation throughout Skagit County, connecting people to communities, jobs, and essential services. The agency operates fixed-route, paratransit, and rideshare services, with regional connections to neighboring transit systems. Learn more at skagittransit.org.
Media Contact
Crystle Stidham, CEO
Skagit Transit
360-899-8094
cstidham@skagittransit.org
« Back